Falling to Pieces (21 page)

They get to the second song and a beautiful brunette in her late
20’s walks by our table and grabs a seat near the front of the stage with some
of the band mate’s friends. She waves to Dave who instantly smiles and winks
back at her. This must be the one. Annabelle.

Her long brown hair is effortlessly twisted into a
fish-tail
pony and pulled to the side. Her makeup is worn in
the most flattering natural way, which reminds me a lot of Sawyer. She is
wearing cropped boyfriend style jeans with a gray, V-neck, open back blouse.
The wedges on her tan feet are the finishing touch on her trendy outfit choice.

The mood on stage changes with the next song; one that I
haven’t heard in a quite a while.
The slow beat and melody rain
with emotion and Dave’s eyes hardly escape from her direction. She is singing
along with every word and it makes my heart flutter to watch their love. It is
a beautifully written ballad that details their story and the hard times they
have faced. I reach for Sam’s hand and give it a squeeze, silently thanking him
in my head for sticking with me though all of our difficult times.

Sam winks at me and stands up from his chair holding his hand
out to me in request for a dance. Is he serious? He never wants to dance. This
song must be working it’s magic on him too.

Standing up sporting the biggest grin, I take his hand as he
twirls me around dreamily then places his hand on the small of my back holding
out the other in mine. We slowly sway to the song and I rest my head on his
chest. I’m in love.
Deep, beautiful love.

Gross.

We finish dancing as they fade right into the next song and I
see Sawyer and Preston take their seats at our table.

“Nice of you to join us, love birds.” I say as we return to our
seats.

“That’s funny, it looks like the only love birds in here are the
ones slow dancing alone on the dance floor.” She cocks her head to the side
with the sarcastic come back.
But damn it if she wasn’t
right.
 
I was now the
blushing girl in one of the couples I made fun of for their silly displays of
love. What’s most strange about it is that I didn’t even hesitate when he
pulled me to the floor. I didn’t care who was watching or what they were
thinking. In my head, it was just Sam and I alone on the wooden floor.

I didn’t even have a rebuttal. I just smiled and shook my head,
rolling my eyes and taking a sip of drink.

“Wow. Now I really have seen everything. Cheyenne didn’t even
take the chance to get the last word. Don’t worry though, love looks good on
you.” Preston says and winks at me. “Not as good as it does on my lady though.”
He put his hand under Sawyers chin and reached down to kiss her sweetly.

“Ugh, get a room, Romeo.” I reply and we all start laughing.

“Nope, there she is. That’s my girl, sassy as ever.” Sam says as
his smile spreads from cheek to cheek.

We all laugh at my expense, but I am not offended in the
slightest. I was beginning to change, but it was definitely for the better.

We finished watching the show and then met up with Dave at the
bar when they were done clearing the stage.

“Awesome show, man.” Sam says shaking Dave’s hand.

“Thanks. It was a lot of fun tonight. We always like to have a
good time, but tonight
was
special. With it being the
last show for a while, we wanted to go out with a bang. Not to mention, a certain
someone being in the crowd.” He looks behind him as the beautiful brunette
reaches his side. “Speaking of the angel.” Dave places his arm over her
shoulder.

“Hi, everyone. I’m Annabelle.” She says lifting her hand in a
friendly wave to all of us.

“This is Sam, Cheyenne, Sawyer and Preston.” Dave announces,
pointing us each out. “Should we grab a shot?”

“Fire and Ice?” I ask looking between Sam and Dave with a smile.

“Hell yeah.” They both reply in unison.

Everyone else laughs and agrees with a nod. Chad takes our order
and a few minutes later, lines up the 6 shots, then adding one more for him.

“Here’s to
Knucks
Road.” Chad says as
he lifts his glass.

“Here’s to second chances.” Dave says and smiles at Annabelle as
they both raise their glasses.

“Here’s to love. Old and new, sometimes difficult, but always
true.” I say, not sure where the hell that came from. Sam and I lift our
glasses and look to the final couple.

“Here’s to that!” Preston replies and Sawyer burst into laughter
raising her glass with his.

“Cheers!” she says and we all tip them back and start laughing.

“Really, Cheyenne? Were you just reading a romance novel or has
this new love really grabbed a hold of you?” Sawyer asks, still laughing.

“Oh, eat a dick.” I reply. “You win. I was wrong about love. It
really is worth the risk and I’ve never been happier.” My tone turns more
serious as I look into Sam’s eyes. He wraps me in a hug, dips me back, and
plants an over the top fairy tale kiss on my lips. My head is swimming and the
chills cover my body. It’s just Sam and I, once again, alone on the wooden
floor.

“Ugh, get a room!” Preston hollers and the laughter spreads once
again.

“You ready,
babe?” I shout, placing a duffle in the trunk.

“Yeah, but
don’t close that. You have one more bag. Not that you need more bags. You do
realize we are only going for a few days, right?” He places the bag inside and
I close the trunk.

“You never know
what you might need? Plus how can I predict what I mood I will be in, which
directly corresponds with my outfit choice?” I smile and he shakes his head
knowing he will never win this argument.

“You want me to
drive?” he asks with a hopeful expression. I think he prefers to feel in
control and maybe doesn’t want to admit that my somewhat distracted personality
scares him when behind the wheel.

“Sure, but that
means I get to play deejay!” I reply skipping to the passenger door.

Again, he gives
just a smile and headshake, not winning this one either. We have similar music
tastes, but four hours of my drive mix could be enough to make anyone head
straight off the bridge.

“I promise,
I’ll mix it up this time.” I wink, but am actually serious. I changed my drive
mix for this trip to include some of his favorite songs and artists. I think he
will be pleasantly surprised.

We get in the car
and begin our trip. The first few songs are my basic pop classics. Sam is
always a good sport and never complains, even when I sing at the top of my
lungs completely off key. Sometimes he even joins in on the ones he knows.
After a few more, the new tracks I inserted into the mix begin to play and a
smile reaches his lips.

“So, have you
always had this on here, or did you add it just for me?” he asks.

“I figured you
would want to drive, like usual, so I thought I would make it a little more
tolerable if you could hear some of your jams.”

“Thank you,
that was very thoughtful.” He reached over and squeezed my hand.

“I know. I am
the sweetest girlfriend ever.” We share a glance at each other and I reach down
to turn up the volume.

He sings along
to his favorites and I sit back and enjoy the ride.

We have been
exclusively dating now for a little over a month. The weirdness in the
beginning was quickly replaced with comfort and ease. Being in a relationship
with someone you’ve known forever definitely has its perks. There was no
awkward getting to know you phase, where we had to ask about each other’s
favorite color and life goals. Sam was one of my best friends and we
transitioned nicely into our relationship.
 
It was mostly just a huge adjustment for me, allowing myself to feel the
emotions that I had been pushing away from day one.

I was still
scared shitless. I don’t know that I would survive a heartache, but also don’t
know that I would survive letting him get away and never knowing what could
have been.

Sam makes me
feel whole, like I have been only half way living for most of my life. I would
have never known what I was missing if I didn’t give this a chance. I was
falling to pieces not being with him and now I know why. It was supposed to be
this way, always.

Since Sam works
a lot and I stay busy with my senior year class load, we spend just the right
amount of time together. There is no smothering and we get a chance to miss one
another. We have our Tuesday night dates with Sawyer and Preston, but it’s not
always just the four of us. Becka and Lilly join us a lot of the time and we
have even been lucky enough to have the new lovebirds, Dave and Annabelle join
us when they are in town. As I suspected, Dave and Sam are good friends now and
the past is in the past where it belongs. Annabelle is so full of life and has
a heart as big as Texas. She is so much like Sawyer, and we have all become
very good friends.

The drive home
to Redwood goes by in a wink. I dropped Sam off at his mom’s house and head to
mine. We were all going to spend time at home and then meet up at Jeff’s for
the annual turkey bon fire. It was the one time of year where almost everyone
came home from school and was able to hang out and catch up.

It would be a
blast as usual, but this year had a few firsts. This would be the first year
that I came to the party on the arm a guy I was actually in a relationship
with. It would also be the first year without Austin. It breaks my heart that
he won’t be here to see Sam and I together. Finally.

I had always
imagined the four of us sitting around this fire when we were old and gray,
telling stories and laughing at the good times we had. It wouldn’t be the same
without him and I am glad that Sawyer has Preston to be by her side tonight and
keep her spirits up.

Tomorrow, my
mom and bill will be serving up dinner, but there will be a few additional
guests at our table. Sam and his mom will be joining us this year and she is
bringing over dessert. The other real shock to the guest list is my dad. Since
he and Lora
were
no longer an item, I asked my mom if
we could invite him over so he wouldn’t be alone. I told her as much of the
truth as I thought she needed to hear, sparing her the details of the fake
affair. As much as I want her to know that my dad was a good man, I couldn’t
risk causing her pain or confusion. She was over the moon happy with Bill and
was in a civil place with my dad. There was no reason to go stirring the pot
now.

She was more
than welcoming to the idea and so was Bill. They are comfortable in any
situation and I can only hope to grow up and be exactly like them.
 
It was going to be a Thanksgiving for the
record books.

I made my way
inside and greeted mom and Bill before heading to my room for a quick shower
and nap. Driving always made me tired, but being a passenger was surprisingly
worse. I still had a few hours before I would be heading to Jeff’s.

My shower was
revitalizing. Lying in my bed, I sent Sam a quick text before closing my eyes.

Taking a nap.
Eating with my parents. Kissing your face. That’s my plan. See you in bit!

Sam: Sounds good. Love you.

Love you more.
Xoxo

Sam: Insanely Impossible
;
)

Smiling like a
child who just caught candy at the parade, I laid the phone down on the end table,
closed my eyes and drifted into dreamland.

The nap was
just what I needed. I ate with mom and Bill and then got dressed and headed to
Jeff’s. Sam went over early to help set up the tables and finish collecting the
wood for the fire. It was said to be one of the best ones that they have ever
made. Those boys are always trying to out do themselves with the biggest fire
that could be seen from space.

On my way ;)

Jeff’s house
was only a few minutes from mine and I pulled into the field, leaving my car
parked near the fence close to the road. It would be easier to just walk the
short distance to the party, rather than chance getting my new car stuck out
there or running over a huge branch and ruining the under carriage. I always
did this and was usually met halfway by whichever guy I was talking to that
night so that I wouldn’t have to walk alone. I was surprised when Sam didn’t
answer my text, but even more surprised that he isn’t out here waiting for me.
Must be helping Jeff out with something.

Not to worry
though. I always wear my boots out here and jeans so that my legs don’t get
tore up from the long weeds. Tonight was chilly, and I found one of Sam’s old
baseball hoodies in my closet to keep me warm. I haven’t worn this since high
school, the same night I saw him with icky Vicky. That retched bitch better not
be here tonight. Not that I really care. It was me that he chose after all.

Well at least I
thought I was. My heart sinks into chest as I approach the party and see Sam,
casually chatting it up with a leggy blonde and holding a drink in his hand. He
wasn’t helping Jeff, and this would explain why he didn’t answer my text or
come meet me to walk me up.

A few steps
closer and the recognition settles. It’s Emma, the girl from the photo that he
dated before moving to Avalon. What the fuck is she doing here. She’s not from
here. Please tell me he didn’t invite her. Or is she crazy and stalking him?
Either way, this is not good.

The flash back
of that night I saw him kissing Vicky plays in my head and I squeeze the bottom
of the sweatshirt in my hands.

Stupid, unlucky,
sweatshirt.

I stop for a
quick second to gather my thoughts. This is exactly what I try to avoid
;
the feeling that you lost something amazing and your heart
breaking to pieces.

Not this time.
I will not let him go so easily. It’s time that I fight for what’s mine.

I take a deep
breath and continue my way over to where they are standing. Without even acknowledging
her, I wrap my arm around Sam’s waist and dip under his arm to give him a hug.

“Hi babe.” I
say,
more girly
than I would normally.

“Hey beautiful,
I didn’t know you were on your way or I would have met you by the road.” He
reaches in to his pocket and pulls his hand out empty then pats his back
pockets. “Shit, did you text me? I must have left my phone in my truck. Sorry
baby.”

“No worries.
I’m good.” I smile at him and then turn to the supermodel and hold out my hand.
“Sorry, hi I’m – “

“Cheyenne, so
nice to finally meet you.”

She knows who I am?

“I’ve heard so
much about you, I feel like I practically know you. I’m Emma. Sam and I used to
go to school together.” She said nicely. Almost too nicely, yet it seems very
sincere. Interesting.

Still in shock
and slightly confused, a familiar face walks up and joins in the reunion.

“
Cheyenne,
how are you? Been a long time.” Says Ryan. He also
went to our high school and was new to town the same year Sam was. They ended
up going to the same college on a baseball scholarship and ended up as
roommates.

“I’m good, how
are you?” I ask trying to hide my feelings on the situation at hand.

He reaches his
hand around the
back side
of Emma and pulls her into a
hug, which she gladly accepts. Now, I am officially lost. This could not get
weirder.

 
“So, I see you met Emma.” Ryan says.

“Yes, we did,
but apparently she already knows me. Hopefully you have been telling her only
the good things about me.” I reply trying to keep my composure as cool as
possible.

“Are there any
bad things?” Ryan asks and we both laugh.

“This is true.”
I reply.

Sam being the
powerful mind reader that he
is,
senses my un-comfort
and reaches for my hand to give it a reassuring squeeze.

“Well, we are
going to go get a drink. I’m sure we will see you in a bit. Good to see you,
Cheyenne.”

“Yes, it was
very nice to meet you finally. Sam talked about you all the time. Hope to get
to talk more later.” Emma reached out and hugged me, which caught me off guard.
She was so sincere and I was feeling like a bitch for thinking she was here to
steal my man.

“Yeah, for
sure.” I replied with a smile.

She reached up
and gave Sam a friendly hug and lowered her voice. “See
aren’t
you glad you took my advice. Nice to see you so happy.”
 
She looked towards me and smiled. “See
you both later”

Sam smiled and
I was once again confused. Why would she say that? What advice could she have
given him? He left her
there, why would that
make her
happy?

“Advice, huh?
Am I missing something here? I thought you got an internship and broke her
heart when you had to move.”

“Well, that’s
partially true.” He still had a smile on his face, but ran his fingers through
his hair like he was about to say something that might really piss me off. “I
did get an internship here, but it was only after she told me about it.”

“What? Why
would she tell you about something that would send you away?”

“Okay, let me
start from the beginning. Emma and I had a class together our junior year and
starting hanging out. We started to date, but it was never really serious. I
could never really commit to the relationship. She sensed something was off and
asked Ryan behind my back. He told her about you and our past together. She
approached me about it one night when we had been drinking and I broke down and
told her everything. She wasn’t mad, but mostly sad for me, and mad that I
wouldn’t fight for what I wanted. It was her idea for me to apply for the
internship and transfer to Avalon to be closer to you and try to win you back.”

“Seriously?” My
mind. Was. Blown. “You moved to Avalon for me?”

“Crazy, right?”

“Insane is more
of the word I would choose.” I sat silent for a moment and tried to process it
all. “So then what’s with her and Ryan? Isn’t that weird for you?”

“Nah. He loved
her the minute he met her. That is another reason why it would have never
worked with us. I knew how he felt about her and that I would never feel that
way for her. It was only a matter of time before she realized it too. They
started hanging out and the rest is history.”